Finance and Planning Minister M Sal fur Rahman Sunday underlined the need for checking wastage In the public . sector to ensure the overall development of the country and establish democracy on a firm foundation, reports BSS.

Addressing a meeting of Jalalabad Association In the city, the Finance Minister said a good government for the people would remain a far cry if wastage In various public sectors continued unabated In this connection, he referred to the situation obtaining In Adamjee Jute Mills. Bangladesh Railway and BADC and continued system loss in power sector.

Mismanagement in the public sector and indtscipllned labour were now the major Impediments in the way of the country's development. If such a situation continued to prevail, the foreign investors would lose interest In investing their capital In our country, he added.

He said the present government was committed to bringing about development In various sectors through transparency. accountability of all and by adhering to the high ideals of democracy and human rights. BNP did not believe tn any sort of government control In economic activities.

A good government could he established by reduction government control to the barest minimum and Involving people in development activities, he stressed.

The Finance Minister appealed to all sections of people to see to it that anarchy and lawlessness did not hamper the economic activities in any sector, retard the progress of the country and march of democracy. He narrated how the autocratic rule had eaten into the vitals of the nation through corruption, favouritism and financial indiscipline during the long nine years.

He said the present BNP government was the people's government and it did not believe in any "hide and seek* approach on any Issue. Despite limitation of resources the government would strive to build a self-reliant economy by the optimum use of the available resources.

Turning to local problems

of the greater Sylhet district. Satfur Rahman said development of Sylhet lay tn united cooperation of all. He hoped that the Association would Identify the major problems confronting the district and the government would try its best to solve them.

He said a comprehensive-scheme could be taken for the development of haor areas. Steps would be taken to involve the donor agencies in the development of haors, he added.

Presided over by Abdul Malik Chowdhury, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Deputy Leader of the Opposition Abdus Samad Azad. Abdus Shahid MP. Abulais Mobln Chowdhury MP, Khalilur Rahman MP, and Emran Ahmed MP.